If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, finger-licking delight that brings the perfect balance of heat and crunch, look no further than this Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe. These sliders pack tender, juicy chicken soaked in buttermilk, coated in a flavorful seasoned crust, then fried to golden perfection. Coupled with a creamy yet spicy mayo and crisp pickles, this recipe is the ultimate bite-sized comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, these sliders promise to be the star of the party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes, the simplest ingredients come together to create the most unforgettable flavors. Each element here – from the buttermilk to the chipotle chili pepper – plays an essential role in building that crispy, spicy, and creamy profile that makes these Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe shine.
- Chicken breasts: Fresh and lean, the base of our sliders offering juicy, tender bites.
- Buttermilk: Key for marinating, it tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang.
- Flour: The crispy coating foundation that delivers crunch.
- Smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth and vibrant color.
- Onion powder: Contributes savory warmth without overpowering.
- Chipotle chili pepper: Brings a smoky heat that perfectly complements the mayo.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
- Mayo: Creates that luscious, creamy texture in the spicy mayo.
- Sriracha sauce: Infuses the mayo with a desirable kick.
- Honey: Provides subtle sweetness to the spicy mayo sauce.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds brightness and tang to the mayo.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the aroma and flavor in both coating and sauce.
- Peanut oil: Perfect for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Slider buns: Soft and slightly sweet, ideal to hold all the deliciousness together.
- Pickles: Add a punch of acidity and crunch to cut through the fried goodness.
- Butter (optional): For toasting buns to golden perfection.
How to Make Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Chicken
Start by butterflying each large chicken breast, then cut each into four equal pieces so you end up with eight tender portions total. Removing any excess fat or gristle here ensures every bite is perfectly tender and delicious.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with rich buttermilk. Chill the chicken in the refrigerator for at least six hours, or overnight if possible. This step tenderizes the meat and infuses that signature tangy flavor every great fried chicken needs.
Step 3: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo
While the chicken marinates, combine the mayo, sriracha, honey, red wine vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix everything until the sauce is smooth, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble your sliders. This sauce brings that creamy, spicy essence essential to these sliders.
Step 4: Prepare the Flour Coating
Mix the flour with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili pepper, salt, and plenty of black pepper. This seasoned flour is what bathes each chicken piece in a crunchy, smoky, and slightly spicy coating that crisps up beautifully when fried.
Step 5: Heat the Peanut Oil
Pour about half an inch of peanut oil into a heavy-bottomed pot and heat it over medium-high heat. It’s important to get the oil hot enough – around 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit – so the chicken fries crispy without absorbing too much oil. You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of flour into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re ready to go.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk, dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour, then carefully place it in the hot oil. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and make the coating soggy. Fry each piece for about five minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to gently flip the chicken without disturbing the crust.
Step 7: Toast the Buns (Optional)
If you love a bit of crunch and buttery richness in your bun, slice them in half and lightly butter the insides. Toast them in a 350-degree oven for about five minutes or warm them in a skillet until golden. Toasted buns add a depth of texture that perfectly complements the juicy chicken.
Step 8: Assemble Your Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Layer a generous spoonful of that flavorful spicy mayo onto the bottom buns, add a piece of the beautifully fried chicken, then top with crisp pickles before finishing with the top bun. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of juicy, creamy, tangy, and spicy all wrapped up in soft bread. Time to enjoy!
How to Serve Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Pickles are the classic topping, offering just the right tension of crunch and acidity to cut through the richness. Feel free to add sliced jalapeños for extra heat, or fresh lettuce leaves for a crisp bite. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also brighten up every slider delightfully.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with classic sides like crispy French fries, coleslaw, or even a light cucumber salad. For something a bit different, try sweet potato fries or a tangy corn salad that complements the smoky spice in the chicken and mayo.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re throwing a party or an informal get-together, arrange the sliders on a large platter lined with parchment paper. Add small bowls of extra spicy mayo and pickles for guests to help themselves. Using toothpicks to hold the sliders together can also make them easier to serve and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any fried chicken leftover, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the coating as crisp as possible, avoid covering the chicken with sauce until just before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked fried chicken pieces for up to three months. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To revive leftover sliders, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer at 350 degrees until warmed through and crispy. Heat the buns separately and add fresh spicy mayo and pickles before assembling to keep each element at its best.
FAQs
Can I make the spicy mayo sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The spicy mayo can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It actually benefits from sitting as the flavors meld beautifully, making your Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe even more delicious.
What kind of oil is best for frying the chicken?
Peanut oil is recommended because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil. Just make sure the oil is hot enough to crisp the chicken without making it greasy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for an even juicier slider. Just adjust the frying time slightly since thighs can be a bit thicker and richer than breasts.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Of course! You can reduce or omit the chipotle chili pepper and sriracha sauce in the spicy mayo to dial down the heat. The sliders will still be packed with flavor and crispy goodness.
What’s the secret to keeping the chicken crispy?
The key is not overcrowding the frying pan and frying at the right temperature. Also, avoid stacking the chicken after frying and wait to add sauce until just before assembling the sliders to keep that wonderful crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a perfectly fried chicken slider with that creamy, spicy mayo that wakes up your taste buds. This Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe is simple, vibrant, and a guaranteed hit for just about any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make these sliders your new favorite go-to comfort food. Trust me, once you try these, they’re going to become a delicious obsession!
Print
Fried Chicken Sliders with Spicy Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes (including marination time)
- Yield: 8 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy fried chicken sliders with a spicy mayo sauce, served on buttery toasted slider buns with pickles. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or party snack, this recipe features juicy buttermilk-marinated chicken breast pieces coated in a smoky and spicy seasoned flour, deep-fried until golden and tender.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili pepper
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Spicy Mayo Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Frying and Serving
- Peanut oil for frying
- Slider buns
- Pickles
- Butter (optional, for buns)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast and cut into quarters to yield eight pieces total. Trim off any excess fat or gristle from the pieces for a clean cut.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least six hours, preferably overnight or up to 24 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Make the spicy mayo sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together mayo, sriracha sauce, honey, red wine vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use. This sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance to enhance flavors.
- Prepare the flour seasoning: Combine flour with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili pepper, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Heat the frying oil: Pour about half an inch of peanut oil into a heavy-bottomed pot and heat on medium-high. To test the oil temperature, drop a pinch of flour in; it should sizzle immediately. Aim for 350-375°F on a thermometer.
- Coat and fry the chicken: Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk, dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour, then carefully add to the hot oil. Fry for about 5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary and maintain oil temperature between 300-325°F during frying. Use tongs to turn chicken pieces gently.
- Toast the slider buns (optional): Butter the buns lightly. For oven toasting, place them cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for about 5 minutes until golden. Alternatively, toast the buttered buns in a skillet on medium heat until golden and warm.
- Assemble the sliders: Spread the spicy mayo onto the buns, add a fried chicken piece, top with pickles, then close the buns. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, flavorful sliders!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Use a thermometer for precise oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Peanut oil is preferred for frying due to its high smoke point and flavor neutrality.
- Adjust sriracha in the mayo sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Buns can be toasted either in the oven or skillet according to preference.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
